Damascus, Sept. 22 (SANA) The Ministry of Education and Teaching opened an art exhibition in Damascus on Sunday showcasing works produced by students participating in summer clubs, marking the conclusion of the National Summer Activities Program.
Held at the Contemporary Art Gallery, the exhibition features around 100 artworks by students and art educators from nine Syrian governorates, offering a display of creative projects developed during the summer activities.
The exhibition includes 80 paintings by students and 20 works by trainers and school art teachers. The artworks are divided into three categories: children up to 12 years old, participants aged 12 to 17, and trainers and art teachers.
The exhibition will run through Sept. 22.
Art as a space for expression and talent discovery
Minister of Education and Teaching Mohammad Abdulrahman Tarkou told SANA that the participation of students from different governorates provided them with an opportunity to express their ideas through art, explore their interests and develop their creative abilities.
He said some works reflected experiences and realities faced by students, while others presented their views of the future. Some paintings addressed themes related to the Syrian revolution.
Tarkou also highlighted the use of recycled materials in some artworks, saying this approach combines artistic creativity with awareness of the value of reusing available resources.
Hassan al-Hassan, director of the Ministry’s Protection and Activities Department, said a specialized committee reviewed the submitted works and selected the winning paintings.
He said the exhibition represents the outcome of students’ participation in summer clubs and provides an opportunity to identify artistic talent and support promising students in later stages. He added that the ministry plans to organize additional exhibitions and art competitions.
Students turn paintings into personal stories
Eighteen-year-old Ilmar Dalla from Rural Damascus participated with a portrait painting, but she said portraiture for her is not limited to reproducing facial features.
Dalla told SANA that she seeks to add emotion to her work so viewers can see elements beyond the external appearance. She said she learned about the exhibition through her teacher and viewed participation as an opportunity to present her artistic experience.
Safa Bakdash from Quneitra, who began drawing at the age of three, participated with three shaded portrait paintings exploring themes including joy, sadness and heritage. One of the works was inspired by the pyramids of Egypt and ancient history.
Bakdash said the summer clubs gave students an opportunity to develop and present their talents, adding that displaying their work before the public encourages them to continue improving their artistic skills.
The exhibition concludes part of the National School Summer Activities Program launched by the Ministry of Education and Teaching on Aug. 2. The program included cultural, scientific, literary, artistic, sports and scouting activities, as well as reading, innovation, scientific research and volunteer work.
R.H/R.K